Penny and Andy’s Waterside Brisbane Real Wedding

A laid-back Brisbane Real Wedding set beneath a breathtaking canopy of Baby's Breath and perfumed Wisteria.

Powers of persuasion...

Proving first impressions aren’t everything, Penny and Andy didn’t quite hit it off when they first met. Working at the local cinema in their University days, Penny initially thought Andy was lazy and rather irritating to work with! It wasn’t until she realised she knew his sister that they became friends and eventually so much more…

10 years after they first got together, the couple exchanged vows on the banks of the Brisbane River, their guests grazing on deli spreads set beneath a magnificent canopy entwined with Baby’s Breath and perfumed Wisteria.

A long time coming…

Unbeknownst to Penny, Andy had been secretly planning his proposal some 12 months before he actually popped the question…

“Andy carted the ring on holidays with us to New Zealand, The Great Ocean Road and Tasmania, but he never felt the time was right (he says it’s because I was cranky when he’d planned to ask me, but I dispute that! LOL).

One night I went to the hairdresser after work and Andy asked me to stop and get some Thai takeaway on the way home. When I got home, I noticed that there weren’t any lights on in the house, but the front door was open. When I got inside, I was amazed to see there was a trail of fairy lights along the floor, that led me out to our back deck. Here I found Andy waiting for me looking very nervous, he’d decorated our whole deck in candles and lights, the candles spelt ‘MARRY ME’.

He’d pre-prepared a little speech outlining the reasons why I should marry him, why he’d be a good husband and hilariously, the reasons why he’d understand if I said no (e.g. his ear hair). Then he called our pug Baxter over who had the ring on his collar and proposed. I laughed nervously the whole time but of course, I said YES!!!”

When fate intervenes…

Penny and Andy originally planned for their wedding to be held in their favourite place on earth: Queenstown, New Zealand. They imagined a winter wonderland complete with snow and mulled wine. However, just as they began to confirm all the details, Penny’s dad was tragically diagnosed with bladder cancer and was told he wouldn’t live to see his daughter married.

Thankfully, after an incredibly difficult six months, his prognosis had improved and Penny and Andy set about planning their perfect wedding closer to home in just 8 weeks!

“The planning was hectic, but in many ways, I truly believe that it came together the way it did for a reason. All the right people had availability when we needed them, it was like it was meant to be.

All we wanted on the day was for my Dad to be with us, and to be healthy – and that he was. He bought his first new suit and shoes in about 30 years and he looked so handsome. His speech didn’t leave a dry eye in the house – and to see him laughing and having the most wonderful time with friends and family made all the chaos worthwhile.”

Surprise guests…

Penny and Andy’s guests were treated to a surprise appearance from some very special guests, the couple’s dogs: Baxter the Pug and Ollie the Cavoodle!

“I’d told guests that our boys wouldn’t be coming as it was too difficult, but when they made their entrance, escorted by my mum and cousin down the aisle, in their adorable suits and buttonholes (which matched their daddy!) it was awesome. They honestly thought everyone was there to see them. Despite Ollie having a coughing fit mid ceremony (too many treats!) – they were so well behaved and definitely stole the show!”

DIY desserts…

Instead of having a cake, Penny’s mum cooked up a storm of her well-known favourites (e.g. magic slice and caramel slice) and her best friend Kim made her world famous choc chip cookies for dessert. Guests were also given a Donut Time doughnut to take away as their favours, or a late night snack for the drive home! Penny and Andy also surprised their guests with Ruby the Litle Red Ice Cream Van who served “old school” ice cream cones into the night!

Getaway boat…

A highlight of the night for both Penny and Andy involved a relaxing ride down the Brisbane River. Penny’s parents had arranged for a gondola to pick them up from the reception and take them to their accommodation for the night. They spent an hour floating down the river, sipping champagne and watching the city lights float by as they caught up with each other about the day that was.